ANALYSIS: US Fresh Imported Seafood Supply Constraints Continue to Drive Market Direction

Fresh imported seafood supplies remain constrained across much of the complex, with 2025 import volumes for several key species — including mahi, snapper, swordfish, and grouper — all trending below year-ago levels. Although January and February 2026 Census data have not yet been released, market participants continue to report lighter arrivals and reduced product availability, suggesting that tight supply conditions have persisted into the new year. Replacement costs have also moved higher, leaving the market increasingly sensitive to even small changes in availability...

Importers Face Long Wait for Tariff Refunds

Importers across industries, expecting refunds of roughly $166 billion collected under now-invalidated emergency tariffs instituted by Trump, face a prolonged and uncertain wait. That is according to a government filing that estimated more than 4.4 million hours of manual processing to handle the claims.

After the Supreme Court struck down the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs last month, UW Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told the Court of International Trade that refunding duties from more than 53 million import entries, of which 20.1 million remain unliquidated, presents an unprecedented logistical...

Sun Coast Calamari Expands Fleet with Two Purse Seine Vessels, Names New General Manager

The Reichle family's Sun Coast Calamari has added two purse seine vessels to its fleet and appointed industry veteran Luis Lara as general manager, the company announced in a joint statement with sister company Lund's Fisheries.

The addition of F/V Anduril and F/V Taylor Brooks brings the Reichle family's total fleet to seven fishing vessels and reinforces the company's commitment to the California market squid fishery. Sun Coast said the expansion will increase its footprint in the fishery and boost harvest volumes...

Maryland Blue Catfish Processors Oppose Federal MAWS Act, Warn of Market Disruption

A coalition of Maryland's blue catfish processors is pushing back against proposed federal legislation they say could undermine years of work building human consumption markets for the invasive species, with Congressman Andy Harris joining their opposition to the MAWS Act.

The four family-owned processors, representing every facility in Maryland processing wild-caught blue catfish for human consumption, sent a letter opposing the Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act introduced by Representative Sarah K. Elfreth and co-led by Representative Robert J. Wittman...

Deep Dive into Seven Decades of Data Reveals Broader Spawning Distribution of Bluefin Tuna

A group of 16 scientists led by NOAA Fisheries but including partners from as far away as Poland and Mexico took a deep dive into scientific data collected decades ago and struck gold. Led by David Richardson of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Narragansett, RI, the group found that spawning grounds for the iconic bluefin tuna are more broadly distributed than previously thought.  

Historically, bluefin tuna have been managed as two stocks—one that spawns in the Mediterranean Sea (the eastern) and the other that...

Quota Rule Changes Aim to Lift Profitability in Russia’s Deep‑Sea Crab Sector

Russia will stimulate production of deep‑sea crabs by easing catch requirements, removing certain species from auctions with investment obligations.

Deep‑sea crabs found at depths up to 1,800 meters were recently excluded from auctions that require winning bidders to build vessels and processing facilities. Quotas for these crabs will no longer be offered under investment‑obligation terms, freeing businesses from those construction and investment requirements.

Russian media report the change will mainly affect angulatus snow crab in the East Sakhalin and North Okhotsk subzones...

Culinary Delights Featuring Alpine King Salmon at Kura Sushi USA

US revolving sushi restaurant pioneer, Kura Sushi USA, has unveiled four exclusive Kura Reserve menu options that spotlight the delicate umami flavors of Alpine King Salmon, sourced from the natural currents of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Kura Reserve offers a limited-time culinary experience platform featuring seasonally inspired creations alongside Kura Sushi’s regular menu. These unique dishes are available for dine-in only starting March 13, while supplies last.

US revolving sushi restaurant pioneer, Kura Sushi USA, has unveiled four exclusive Kura Reserve menu...

Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Support Hits Record High at 85% in Industry-Commissioned Survey

The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers' Association (ACFFA) commissioned a survey showing 85% regional support for aquaculture, representing a four-point increase from 2024 and the highest level on record.

Narrative Research Associates conducted the telephone survey of 1,450 Atlantic Canadians aged 18 and older from February 4-23, 2026, as part of its Atlantic Quarterly Survey. Results are accurate to within ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Support reached record levels in Nova Scotia at 83%...

Nammu Announces Full-Team Rollout at Stavis Seafoods, Advancing Sales Modernization Efforts

Nammu today announced that Stavis Seafoods has deployed its platform across the company's entire sales team. The deployment integrates Nammu with Stavis' ERP and brings the sales team onto one platform, helping sales reps stay on top of a large customer base and product catalog in a fast-moving business. With live visibility into ordering patterns, inventory signals, and account activity, salespeople can focus on follow-ups, spot opportunities earlier, and spend less time manually sifting through spreadsheets...

Day 14 of Iran War: US Temporarily Eases Russian Oil Sanctions; Shipping Risks Mount 

Israeli airstrikes have hit Tehran on the 14^th day of the Iran war as Iran and its allies launch retaliatory attacks across Gulf states, sharply escalating tensions across the region and disrupting global energy markets.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route linking the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, remains severely disrupted.

On Friday, the US issued a 30-day license for countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea. Oil prices eased following the announcement, though prices are...

Expana's Weekly Top Ten: From Middle East Tensions to Tariff Refund Challenges

Welcome to this week's Top 10. In this edition, we've compiled original content pinpointing key developments affecting global markets and industries following the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

This recap highlights ripple effects on oil prices and amino acid markets to impactful changes in US seafood consumption and tariff refunds. Additionally, explore shifts in dietary guidelines and new investments aimed at enhancing sustainability and traceability in the seafood sector. This list is in no particular order.

10. Stay informed with Expana's comprehensive coverage on global markets as...

Expansion, Acquisitions, and Promotions Lead Activity in Foodservice

In this first-half-of-March foodservice roundup, operators continue to pursue growth across global markets while leveraging promotions and partnerships to drive traffic. Highlights include new international franchise agreements, portfolio expansion through acquisition, and marketing activations tied to major cultural moments. From development in emerging markets to value-driven limited-time offers, brands are pairing expansion with targeted marketing to maintain momentum.

Expansion

The Wendy's Company is expanding its presence in Mexico with the announcement of two new franchise agreements, adding over 60 fresh Wendy's...

Chile’s Sernapesca Raids Illegal Processing Plant, Seizes 6 Tons of Salmon

Another illegal seafood processing plant in Chile was raided by authorities, according to a March 11 update from Chile’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca).

Sernapesca said the processing facility was discovered during an inspection in the BioBio region of the country, in the commune of Talcahuano. A summons was issued to the courts for those running the illegal operation, the plant was shuttered, and six tons of Atlantic salmon were confiscated.

Ana María Fernández, regional director of Sernapesca Biobío, highlighted the work carried out in this operation...

NFI Names Morgan Bell Senior Director of Public Policy and International Relations

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) announced Morgan Bell as its new Senior Director of Public Policy and International Relations on March 12.

Bell worked as NFI's Director of Public Policy and, before that, was part of Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton’s staff, serving as both Regional Director and Fisheries Policy Advisor.

Recently, Bell testified at the International Trade Commission as part of a hearing on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, as Expana covered.

Speaking on behalf of the entire commercial seafood value chain...

Cold Water Signals Along West Coast Could Help Assess Whale Entanglement Risk

Fisheries scientists at the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries) see a connection between the West Coast's cool, highly productive water upwelling and an increased risk of humpback whales becoming entangled in fishing gear. 

The wind-driven upwelling of cold, deep-ocean water fuels the area’s rich coastal ecosystem. It attracts marine life, which draws whales to abundant prey and to higher rates of entanglement in fishing gear.

The scientists measured changes in the corridor of cold thermal waters along the coast with what they call...

Kura Sushi and JUJUTSU KAISEN Reignite Limited-Time Collaboration

Kura Sushi USA, Inc., renowned for its revolving sushi restaurants, is stirring up excitement with the return of its collaboration with JUJUTSU KAISEN.

The partnership is set to captivate fans with a limited-time Bikkura Pon dining experience featuring new collectibles and ramen dishes inspired by the mystical Jujutsu sorcerers from March 16 through April 30.

This collaboration promises a host of thrilling prizes, showcasing beloved characters such as Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and Satoru Gojo. Guests will earn JUJUTSU KAISEN x Kura Sushi Bikkura Pon...

Mega Sardines Makes Splash at Natural Products Expo West behind “The Year of the Sardine”

Mega Sardines takes “The Year of the Sardine” global at world’s largest natural products expo.

Mega Sardines, alongside the Medical Wellness Association, continues the global tour celebrating 2026 as “The Year of the Sardine” due to the myriad of health benefits associated with regular consumption of this nutritious little dynamo fish.

After launching in Asia in January, and in Dubai in February at the Gulfood show—and now in March in North America at the 45th annual Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim...